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ANTIQUES

Horse print owner steered in right direction

Most collectors are interested in American horse racing memorabilia. (Courtesy of John Sikorski)

By John SikorskiColumnist

Published: Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, February 22, 2013 at 5:21 p.m.

Q: I found an old framed picture of Pretty Polly, "The Queen of Table Waters," by The Apollinaris Co. Ltd. She is a chestnut filly (1901-1931) owned by Major Loder of Eyrefield Lodge in Ireland. She won 22 out of 24 starts and two second-place wins. Her bloodline is very interesting. I have two pictures with information on the back of them, also the file I found on Pretty Polly.

I found the picture at a yard sale, and I am really interested in horses. Could you steer me in the right direction to find an estimated dollar amount for the old print or painting. The frame is oak with board slats on the back. The Prince of Wales and the queen drank Apollinaris Table Water.

S.R., Internet

A: Thoroughbred racing collectibles is a category of collector interest. Most collectors are interested in American horse racing memorabilia. I am sure you have a print of some type, likely a chromolithograph. It is an interesting find relative to the history of Pretty Polly, but low on the totem pole of collector interest. Relative to advertising memorabilia collecting, it is of very little interest. Potential dollar value is less than $50.

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Q: Enclosed is a picture of my coffee and tea service purchased many years ago. Some say "hand painted" with an "M" and "Japan"; some pieces say "made in Occupied Japan." Could you tell me the value or who I could contact?

F.P., Internet

A: Sometimes called Dragon Ware by collectors for obvious reasons, it has been made since the early 20th century. The raised decoration is called moriage, a technique that has been used since ancient times. Moriage is achieved by applying small pieces of clay and clay slip to the body. The English called it squeeze-bag technique, similar to decorating a cake by squeezing icing through a funnel. Your set would likely sell in the $100-plus range.

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Q: I contacted Skinners about my American Revolutionary items, and sent them all the required information and pictures. Their response was the items were worth approximately $150 to $250. I do not believe this to be true, so I will not be dealing with them. They are all authentic items used by my husband's relatives during the Revolutionary War.

L.M.Y., Internet

A: Treasured family heirlooms often turn out to be a monetary disappointment. Actually, the dollar value is correct based on what the auction company thinks the items will sell for. If they had said $1,500 to $2,500, you might have agreed with their opinion. If you would like to try another resource, I suggest Manion's International Auction Company that specializes in war memorabilia. Contact them at www.manions.com, and see what they think. Good luck, and let us know the outcome.

John Sikorski is an Ocala antiques dealer. He hosts a call-in radio show, "Sikorski's Attic,'' on WUFT-FM (89.1 FM). It can be heard each Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. Send your questions to Sikorski's Attic, c/o The Gainesville Sun, 2700 SW 13th St., Gainesville, FL 32608-2015; or email absantique@aol.com.

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